Beneath a New Year's Winter Moon In Ancient Rome

[sojournerwolf]

(OOC):
What shall it be
orgy, depravity,
romance along the
Appian Way? Who
knows what the gods
might find amusing
to bequeath we mere
mortals beneath new
year's winter moon?



BACKGROUND: After the death of Nero and the civil disaster of the "Year of the Four Emperors", the general Vespasian has taken the imperial purple. By the beginning of 71 a.d., the Judean revolt has been suppressed and he can turn his attention to rebuilding the bankrupt and insecure Roman society. To help him, he has enlisted the aid of loyal army officers and others who qualify to serve in the Senate where reform is greeted with stubbornness, greed, and traitorous plots., of a distant branch of the Julius gens is one such. A tribune devoted to Vespasian and his ideals, he agreed to retire from active military service to assist the Emperor who often jokingly calls him his "third son" and whom Titus (Vespasian's oldest son and heir) addresses with affection and humor as "brother" far more often than his own blood kin, Domitian.
***
CHARACTER: LUCIUS JULIUS LONGINIUS achieved accelerated rank in military and government through ability more than patrician connections. With reluctance he agreed to leave his military career behind to be of greater help through his abilities, reputation and family connections to the Emperor and his son. At first, he found the challenges exhilarating, tracking down those who plotted to overthrow the new Emperor, battling those who put personal gain ahead of Rome in the Senate and the courts. But as time has gone on, he has grown frustrated at the day to day dealings with greed and duplicity, where any friend can turn out to be a secret enemy. And the compromises he has had to make himself between evils.
Though he works out vigorously at the local gymnasium and has kept his body honed as strong and supple as when serving in the army, still he feels a profound restlessness.
***
STATS: 30 years old, 5'11", dark hair and skin, strong and well built. Thick hair, a little longer than fashionable. Startling green eyes. He bears the scars of battle upon his body, but the most obvious is the one that runs down the right side of his face, giving him an almost cruel cast beside his full lips. His hands are long and supple. Unlike many of his peers, he has retained the love of music and still plays his flute. He possesses sufficient wealth to be in the Senate, yet is by no means overly wealthy. He lives simply and is still trying to adjust to a civilian life of social commitments, clients, government dealings and business.
***
SETTING: Rome at the beginning of 71 a.d., the home of LUCIUS JULIUS LONGINIUS. He is the last of his line save for a sister who, being recently widowed, lives here with him. The family home is spacious, but has not been used much while he was on military duty. The slave staff was barely enough to maintain the place, and Lucius has set his steward to purchasing those needed to fulfill the duties of his social and government rank.
***
INTRO: It is early evening, unseasonably warm for winter, yet chill enough that the braziers are lit. Lucius has returned home after a day filled with frustration at confronting the greed of his peers and the inequities of the judicial system. His body aches from the two hours of strenuous exercise in which he indulged before coming home, as he attempted to release some of his rage through punishing his muscles. He has spent the past two hours dictating to his secretary, a wizened old Egyptian who also serves as steward of his house, and discussing household affairs. When the reach the subject of the new slaves the steward has purchased, Lucius decides he has had enough for one day and kindly dismisses the slave. Omos, who at times treats Lucius as more a grandson than master, reminds him he needs to eat. Lucius asks him to have the cook send some bread and olive oil, fruits and nuts, and wine to the study. As the old man leaves, Lucius picks up his flute and walks to the window where he begins to play to the night breeze, not knowing if this will be another night of secret visitors, fawning supplicants, or the solitude in which he finds even less comfort.

 

[dansemajik]

OOC: your poetry sings to me poetbro...I will try my hand here, I do not know how well I write ancient Rome...I may have to do some extensive research....But I will try by damndest...Hugs.

CHARACTER:Katherina, age 24, pale completion, dark auburn hair that falls in curling cascades down her back. Her eyes are dark haunted blue. she is 5'3, is thin but curvy. Her mouth curves up at the corners, making it appear that she is smiling. this was just a cruel twist of fate, since katherina has nothing much to smile for any longer. Her white robes are dirty, her sandals have been mending time and again. She refuses to walk barefooted.

She is the bastard daughter of a senator who was recently forced out of office and killed. He was seen as a traitor. The protection that she had lived under her entire life was gone. The houses were seized, the silver, all of her clothing. She had nothing.

She has not had anything to eat for two days. She must find her friend Ciama. Ciama husband had died in the wars, Katherina knew that she was staying in the family home. She was hoping she would find refuge as Ciama's maiden. If not, she would have to go to work in one of the public houses. The very thought of that turned her stomach.

As she came to the courtyard of the Longinius Home, she faltered. She took a deep breath, and walked into the garden to the doorway..she pulled the bell, and waited, trying to straighten her robes, and hide the tied strapping of her sandals. She pushed her errant hair out of her face wishing it was not so thick. Suddenly the door opened.

 

[SexyChele]

Ciama

OOC: This will stretch my imagination....but I'd love to try!


CHARACTER: Ciama, sister of Lucius Julius, 26, with the same lustrous dark hair and striking green eyes of her brother. She is 5'4", delicate boned, yet with a well-formed body.

Ciama has just recently lost her husband in the wars, and her grief is great. She misses greatly the nights of passion they shared....her late husband was extremely inventive in the art of pleasing a woman, and her body yearns for the touch and feel of a man's body against her own.

Ciama has moved into the home of her brother, Lucius, with whom she has always shared a close relationship. She is distressed at the battle scars that cover his body, and wishes to give him comfort - even in her own grief. Yet, she knows there is a reslessness about him lately...a restlessness she cannot understand.


IC: I hear the bell ring from the outside door. I look around, but there are still so few slaves about that there are none to even accomplish this small task. I know that keeping up Lucius' household should have been my responsibility, but lately nothing interests me. Not since my husband, Markus ......

I wipe away a tear, and walk towards the door. My flowing light green gown swirls about my legs, helping to circulate the intense heated air that has enveloped us.

I open the door to find a most peculiar, yet striking young woman. She looks vaguely familiar, however in her dirty dress, mended sandals, and tossled hair, she couldn't possibly be anyone I would know.

She smiles at me hesitantly, and then I know!

"Katherina! By the gods....what has happened to you?!?! Quickly...come in...tell me! Here, I will have food and drink brought for you!"

 

[dansemajik]

I was relieved to see Ciama come to the door. Her eyes tear filled. I knew she loved her husband, and had lost him too soon. I hear the flute playing from beyond, the music takes me with it...

I smiled at her, seeing the confusion, and then the slow recognition come into her eyes. I am ashamed at my appearance. I hang my head as I go through the door. I turn to look at her, and caught her striking green sorrowfilled eyes. "I thank you for your hospitality, I feel sorrow for your loss, knowing this is a time of mourning for you." I bit the inner flesh of my lips together before I said any more. I was no longer a maiden of any sort of privilge. I accepted her offer for food and drink, and was thankful that she took no more than a cursory look at my garments.

 

[sojournerwolf]

OOC: *S* Welcome to Rome, ladies! I look forward to seeing how this develops.

IC: I hear the bell at the door, turn with a puzzled frown and more than a little resignation. These late night visits have taken their toll on me, supplicants and hustlers, those seeking help for themselves and others. And always, always having to look beyond what is seen, to the plots within plots within plots. Not at all like the days when I could face an enemy with sword in hand and know who they were...and know what to do about it.

I consider donning my toga but decide against it in this unseasonable warmth. My dignatis, I tell myself, can endure the informality of this thin tunic I wear. Setting my flute aside, I venture toward the atrium where I hear women's voices, my beloved sister, Ciama whom I love dearly, for whom I grieve in her loss of Markus who had been a dear friend...and for whom I sometimes feel emotions, think thoughts that disturb me.

Entering the foyer, I suppress a flash of anger that my sister had to be the one to answer the door. Our house should have a doorkeeper at all hours as befits her rank and mine. I vow to speak with Omos, the steward, about this.

At first, the young woman with her strikes me as no more than yet another of those who have found their way here in search of a handout. Though Vespasian is dedicated to righting the wrongs of the civil unrest that preceeded his ascencion to the purple, it is a slow process and many are there, even of the patrician houses who have come to such straits as this.

She is striking in her beauty, even beneath the grime of the streets and the hard wear of her clothing. The stola itself appears to have been at one time of great quality, despite its threadbare condition, and the sandals, though often mended, once could have graced the feet of one of the nobelest of houses.

I clear my throat, to draw their attention, wondering who the young woman is that my sister evidently has a close acquaintance with. It is when she turns to look at me, I feel ice in my belly, for I know her. And I know that even now there is one who is searching for her for no good reason at all. And her very presence here may cause complications.

I do my best to let none of these thoughts show as I walk towards the women, suddenly conscious of the brevity and thinness of my clothing for some reason.

"Ciama," I say to my sister, "may I know who your guest is?"


OOC: Even within the most selfless
acts of the warmest hearts may
be found traps for the unwary;
a gentle smile may hide teeth
of the sharpest kind and even
innocent victims may be lures
without knowing, pawns in games
of life and death

 

[dansemajik]

I look up, seeing him, my eyes I know are wide. That face is familiar to me...but I don't know from where. My eyes are drawn to the scar gracing his face, his eyes are like daggers. I lower my eyes quickly. Not wanting to seem too familiar with this man.

Even as I lower my gaze, waiting for Ciama to answer, I can see his chest, and shoulders, bare and tanned. I feel a quivering deep in my belly. I swallow for it seems suddenly my mouth is dry as cotton. My hand unconsciously goes to my hair, aware of how long it has been since a comb or brush had met the tresses. I was ashamed of the dirt on my clothing, and my feet. I refused to show it though. I raised my head and met his gaze. I knew I was being subordinate, but I was of great lineage, I would not act less.

I waited or Ciama to answer her brothers question.

 

[SexyChele]

Through my grief, I welcome the sight of Katherina. Though of somewhat questionable birth, she had been a girlhood friend of mine, sharing secrets and laughter in much happier times.

I thanked Katherina for her expressions of sympathy, and watched in alarm as she ate the food put before her. I am sure she had not eaten for days. I am also alarmed at her appearance, for she is such a beautiful woman and she would never have wandered the streets of Rome looking as she did - unless something grave had happened to her. But Katherina had her pride and I would not pry, unless she said something first.

I heard the music stop, and then shortly saw my brother walking towards us. I had always thought Lucius to be a handsome man, such green eyes as my own, and chisled features. Lucius had always protected me, even made sure I would only marry a man he would approve of and who he knew would take care me.

But now as he approaches, his face is dark and flashes, almost of anger, come from his eyes. This has been the biggest change in my brother since he returned, and one I am most helpless to comfort.

He asks about my guest, and I turn to him with a smile,

"Lucius! I cannot believe that you do not recognize Katherina! Remember how we used to sit at the fountain in the courtyard and whisper secrets to one another?"

I walk up to my brother, and reaching up, I whisper,

"Somehow she found her way here....I believe there is something terribly wrong."

 

[sojournerwolf]

I do my best to smile at them both. I doubt my sister knows just how deeply I love her and worry, for it is not our way to show such things. It is also why I have shared some, but not all, of the details of the work I have been doing for Vespasian. I realize now, that may have been a mistake, and there are things she must know...for her sake and mine.

I smile at Katherina and incline my head slightly. "Ah, now, I remember your childhood friend. Tell me, Katherina, do still on occasion drop frogs down the back of pompous older brothers of your friends?"

the words come tumbling out and silently I curse myself. What my mind tells me is to show her the door, get her as far away from this house, from my sister as possible. And yet...and yet, I look into Katherina's eyes and feel a melting within of the ice...and that same sort of protectiveness, and echo of what I feel for my sister, and I do not understand.

So, I again smile and lie a lie which is not completely a lie..."Katherina, you are welcome to our hospitium as the friend of my sister. "I imagine," I try to say as delicately as possible, "you might like to enjoy our baths? It is not a large bathhouse, but we do have the hot and cold pools and servants skilled in both the strigil and massage...please, let me have them escort you there and perhaps my sister might join you for I am sure you have much to catch up on."

I call for Iris, the chief of our bath house slaves and have her escort Katherina to the baths, trying to rid myself of the vision of her moist and nude...As my sister begins to follow, I gently take her by the elbow and say, "Ciama, we need to talk..."

 

[dansemajik]

Ah, but he lies well, I think to myself as he welcomes me to his home. I see something in his eyes. The past several months I have come to see the lies and the secrets hidden in the eyes of men. My father amoungst the first who lied to me.

I smile though at the memory of my childish pranks at the expense of the then gangly young Lucius Juluis. I follow the bath mistress as expected. I suspected that whatever Ciama's brother was hiding from me, he would soon tell to his sister. I was struck with the thought suddenly that maybe this place was not a safe place for me to stay.

As the hand maidens undressed me, they took my garments out, not quite hiding the disgust. I was sure they were going into the fire. As I sank into the hot water, I felt the soft gentle hands begin to bathe me. I closed my eyes, letting the scent of jasmine soak into my weary senses. I had seen so much ugliness of late.

As I stepped into the cold pool, my body was a mass of goosebumps. My long hair had been braided wet, so it hung like a long rope down my back. I would wind it up later.
I didn't stay long in the cold pool. I had never liked going from warm to cold, but it was expected, and it was something I had been taught from childhood. I stepped into the linen blanket that was being held out for me.

A young woman waited at the low table for me to lie down. She was rubbing more jasmine smelling lotion into her hands, I knew it would feel wonderful on my sore muscles. I let her work her magic. I must have fallen asleep. It was much later when I woke, A garment was placed on the bench, and a pair of sandals. I assumed they were Ciama's. I donned them, then twisted my braid into a simple shape, tying it to my head with a bit of gold braid.

The gown was lovely, it draped me perfectly, the chorded ties were strategically placed. I stretched and went in search of my hostess.

 

[SexyChele]

My heart was glad when Lucius welcomed Katherina into his home as guest....but I noted hesitation as well. Something is very wrong, whether politics, intrigue, or some other dark demon that blackens our door. I have always been protected from such things, but Lucius' words that he needed to speak to me were said in such a way I felt fear in my very core.

I instructed my maids to select one of my gowns and a pair of sandals for Katherina to wear. My strict instructions were that they treat her as an honored guest in my brother's home...to be treated as she should be.

I think my brother feels I do not know the struggles he has with his feelings towards me. Yet, since I was old enough to know the way between men and women, my feelings for Lucius have not been that between brother and sister. I do yearn for my brother, especially more so after my husband's death, and living here with him. I see the struggle in my brother's eyes, feel it in his touch. Oh how I wish....

But now Lucius wants to speak to me, and I must listen carefully to his words,

"Yes, my brother, let us talk...."

 

[sojournerwolf]

I escort Ciama from the foyer to the library. Her scent is almost more than I can bear despite the trepedation I feel about what we must discuss. The coolness of her skin beneath my hand upon her elbow fills me with a warmth I cannot reveal yet cannot hide either.

I lead her to the reading couch, and my voice catches as I look at her sitting there. Her beauty has always struck me as that of the nightingale whose song, when I was young, I yearned to play upon my flute. That Markus was my good friend and brother in law had not kept me from the occasional twinge of jealousy I did my best to hide. Seeing how happy he made her, how happy they were together, that helped some.

I murmmur, "It has been a long time since I have seen you smile, Ciama...I am grateful that Katherina's visit has given you at least a little joy this night. You are always so lovely when you...smile."

There is an awkward pause between us. I feel myself swaying towards her, my hands aching to do more than lightly squeeze her shoulder with brotherly affection. Abruptly I turn and deliberatley put distance between us.

"Yes," I hear myself saying above the wild beating of my heart. "Katherina's visit is truly a gift of the gods. And yet," I hesitate, "and yet, there may be complications."

 

[SexyChele]

Blushing slightly, I acknowledge his compliment:

"Thank you, Lucius. It feels good to truly smile once more."

I noticed him lean towards me, and for a moment I believed I saw the look of desire in his eyes. He turned from me so quickly! That is so unlike him!

I remember his touch on my arm...so warm...so reassuring...so strong. How I yearn to be taken into his arms and held close, despite the struggles within my own heart.

Longing to be close to him, I rush up to him, and standing behind him, I place my hands on his arms, rest my cheek against his back...

"My dear, sweet Lucius. You must tell of what complications you fear. I feel in these times, I can no longer afford to be so perfectly protected. Surely, whatever it is, it would be best if we faced it together?"

 

[dansemajik]

I am not sure where I am, it has been so long since I had been in this house. One of the maidens points me in the right direction. I assure her I can find my way from that point.

I halt just outside of the doorway...I am watching the by play between Ciama and Lucius. I was sometimes able to see what was not obvious, but in this situation, there was nothing hidden. Ciama was standing with her cheek against her brothers back. The battle going on in Lucius was evident in the set of his face. the dark glowing of his green eyes, and his erection was not quite hidden from view considering the thin shift he wore. His fists were clenched, and his mouth was in a thin line.

I heard his words, that my visit may cause some complications. My breath stopped cold in my chest. I made sure I scraped the foot of my sandle as I entered the room. "thank you for the bath, it was wonderful. And Ciama, thank you for the clothing, I will find some way to repay you." I then turned to Lucius. I bowed, and then looked in straight in the eye, "Might you share with me kind sir what my future holds for me?" Ciama looked stunned that I would speak so to her brother. I gave her a look of apology before I continued. "I am aware that I am in danger. I do not wish to bring expose Ciama to that. The last few months I have been privy to things I would rather not have seen, or known. I went from being a spoiled privileged young woman, to being what I was when you saw me today. I believe you know why that has happened. Would you care to enlighten me?"

My dead father used to laugh at me when I got what he called imperious. He said my eyes snapped like blue fire, and my cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink. I could feel my chest heaving, my breasts straining agains the fine linen of my clothing.

I waited for him to answer me.

 

[sojournerwolf]

I feel Ciama touch me, lean against my back, her hands on my shoulders and it is all I can do to keep from turning to her, taking her in my arms, losing myself in her warmth and scent. the heat of her body seems to flow into me, fanning hotter the falmes I dare not acknowledge within myself. Anmd yet...ye gods, we of the Julian gens have our deep desires, men and women alike. Our distant uncle, Gaius Julius gained considerable reknown for his own amorous nature, and he was truly no exception.

I want my sister, I want her with a passion that threatens to consume me...and I know not whether I fool myself in this, but feel as if she likewise has experienced such desires for me...Yet, there is before us a situation now that must be sorted before we can deal with what is passing between us even now.

Steeling myself with all the discipline I can muster, I gently take her hands in mine and draw then around to my chest. I speak, softly.

"Ciama, my dearest sister...I, I am happy Katherina is here. Safe from the dangers of the Roman streets. Yet, there is danger here for her as well, and for us."

I turn to my sister, and gently rest my hands upon her hips, looking deep into her eyes, trying to avoid looking at her full and ripe lips. Her eyes glow strangely, as I am sure do mine.

"Had you heard the news that her father was declared traitor and his household goods confiscated? That is indeed the story on the street, but it is not the complete truth. As you know, I have been assisting the Pratorian Guard in tracking down traitors, those who scheme against Vespasian. And identifying those who have a potential for trouble. Katherina's father, the senator...was one of those."

My breath catches in my throat as her breasts brush against my chest. I feel my grip tighten upon her waist, drawing her closer. I ache to pick her up, take her to the couch here in the library and slowly remove her stola, caress and kiss her lips, her throat, her breasts, her belly...all of her. and I do believe in her eyes I see an answering gleam, the need for comfort and the need to give comfort...and more, far more than should be between brother and sister. Yet, I am coming to realize that what we have been told should and should not be is perhaps far less important than what we truly want...and I wonder if my time in the senate, dealing with the corruption I have found there, has somehow corrupted me.

Hoarsely, I force myself to continue speaking, turning away from Ciama, for if I look upon her even a moment longer, I know I will forget the immediate danger and take my sister then and there.

"Katherina's father, though, was not one of those Vespasian saw the need to do away with. Indeed, what he wanted was to woo the senator to his side, instead. Ciama, I have seen the Emperor weep at the orders he has had to give for execution...and Katherina's father is not one of those Vespasian thought needed to die.

"Yet, suddenly and without my knowledge, he is cast into the Mamertime. I heard of it only after it happened. He was strangled and there are Praetorian guards around his house."

I draw a deep breath. "I have not been able to find the order for execution or confiscation in the archives. Vespasian nor Titus know anything of such an order given. Yet there it is, the house and property sealed. By chance, I was able to get a copy of the inventory list....Ciama...Katherina is not named but the description is unmistakeable...and she is listed as a slave. A runaway slave."

Ah, but do the gods their jests play upon us mortals...for no more than have the words left my mouth than she appears, Katherina, dressed in one of my sister's stolas, she is as I remember, the unacknowledged princess, full of fire and the confusion that takes me then, the conflict of feelings and desires , for I did when we were younger yearn for this woman, though I said nothing, cleaves my tongue to the roof of my mouth...I for the moment, can say nothing, caught between scylla and charbidis.

 

[SexyChele]

At Lucius' touch my body feels as though it is on fire! Oh, how I know I should resist this terrible urging, but my body is defeating my mind, and I know from the depths of my soul that I must experience the fulness of his body or I shall surely go mad.

And yet, what he says to me stops my breath in my throat...

"Katherina's father...murdered?!? His house taken?? But, Lucius, how can this be? In our civilized Rome, our beautfiul Rome.....such horrendous acts! Oh, and poor Katherina! But she is no slave, Lucius! You know that! By the gods, I can see why you were concerned. The penalty for harboring a runaway slave is.... Oh, Lucius, what do we do? We cannot put her out, she has nowhere to go. Surely, there is some way to clear her name?"

I hear Katherina's voice as she enters the room. Lucius and I both turn in shock, conscious that our words have been heard.

"Katherina, how awful. But we will do something. Lucius is a man of influence in Rome, and surely he will know what to do."

I take hold of Katherina's hand, and turn to Lucius....begging him with my eyes to make right what has been done wrong.

 

[dansemajik]

I smile at Ciama. She has been sheltered her entire life. First by her Father and Mother, then by her husband, and now, by her brother.

I put my other hand on hers and smile at her. Ahh. she is such a beauty. I was amazed at the similarity in her and her brother. Of course Ciama's features were fine and delicate where Lucius' were all hard planes. A mans face. I found myself staring at him again. Drawn to the scar that ran down his face. He had been too handsome before hand, the scar placed him in a far better category. He looked fierce and dangerous. I felt my stomach tighten. My cheeks were burning, my thoughts were so erotic.

I shook my head. "Ciama. I should not have come here. You do not need my problems on top of your grief. I thank you for the food and the bath. I must leave Rome.

I turned again to Lucius. "I loved my father. He loved me, and my mother despite the fact that we were not his first family. He protected me when my Mother died. His wife died two years ago." I paused. Remembering my kind father crying on my shoulder. I held him long into the night. "He should not have died." I sat down and cried. I hadn't cried since he was taken away. I was so frightened. The house was surrounded, and I knew what would happen to me. "He was killed because I refused a man my bed." That man had been there that night. I didn't know his name. I only knew that when my Father tried to tell me what he wanted, I refused. I was not going to wed a stranger. "three weeks later, My father was taken, and I snuck out. I have been hiding since. I will find a small village somewhere to settle in. Maybe I will join a caravan, and travel."

I wiped the tears from my eyes, angry that I had cried. I smiled at Ciama who looked upset, and then I looked at Lucius who looked murderous.

 

[SexyChele]

I stand in shock as Katherina states the misery her life has known. I have been far too sheltered from the realities of this world...and I can feel my innocence fading away.

I place my arm around Katherina, as I look to Lucius...

"No, you cannot leave here, it will be far too dangerous. Yes, there is danger all around, here at least we can think of someway to help. Lucius, please, what can we do??"

 

[sojournerwolf]

LUCIUS

The rage that fills me is that same cold, acid feeling I knew going into battle. Suspicions forming in the back of my mind even before this night are beginning to clarify. Someone within Vespasian's very circle is using his influence to corrupt and undermine the Emperor's ideals, his desire to heal our wounded society. Someone is using power for his own ends and that threatens to destroy all we are trying to do...and even as I think these thoughts, I know the feelings within me go far deeper than that. This young woman, the friend of my sister, who was almost another sister to me, has seen her world come crashing down. And I confess, that, even more than the good of Rome strikes at the very core of me. For there are other feelings there, feelings of something other than friend to friend, brother to sister....feelings I knew when the three of us were younger...

I walk over to them and kneel before them. Squeezing Ciama's hand, I smile at her first.

"Sister, with the deaths of our parents, and your husband, I am your pater familias...your burdens are my burdens, your loyaties my loyalties. Your obligations to friendship my obligations."

I reach out my other hand and raise Katherina's face to look me in the eye.

"Katherina, you are a Roman woman, no matter whether you name appears in the rolls besides your fathers. You know our ways. This evening, I offered you hospitim...and you accepted. You are our guest now, and my obligations to you are sacred. Yes, we will discover why your father was murdered and his property taken. And we will discover who is behind this. And you will know justice. I do so swear, Lucius Julius Longinus, senator of the people of Rome."

I see Katherina stiffen at my formal tone, yet in the silence that follows, I think she detects within my eyes that this goes far beyond tradition and duty. So I hold my face locked for yet a moment more, then grin at her and
take her hand and hold it as I hold Ciama's.

"and you are my...friend, as well," I say softly....

Then, unable to let the tension continue for either of these beautiful women who mean more to me than I can find words to express, I take them both in my arms and hold them very very close as I force my mind away from the tender feelings, the confused desires...and make my silent vow that this shall be made right.

 

[dansemajik]

Feeling Lucius Julius' words falling into me made me want to take him to me. He is offering his protection to me. I, to whom he owes nothing. I know it is more than what he says, me being his sisters friend, companion...I can see it in his eyes as he directs me to look at him.

His large strong hand cupping my chin, sends spirals of an unfamiliar feeling through me. Almost like anticipation. Yes, I was a roman woman. I knew of the nature of men and women. I had been exposed the orgies by the time I was 16. I had yet to take part in one, I had always held that I would be for one man. My mother laughed at my silliness. She said that one man was not enough for one woman, nor was one woman enough for one man. Still, I could not see how someone could divide that part of themselves.

As Lucius pulled me and his sister to his powerful chest. I placed my arm around Ciama. The other arm, I let rest on the bulging bicep of a man that made me feel as if I were smouldering.

I am not sure how it happened, if I had intended it to...but I found my lips kissing his shoulder. Just a simple kiss, to quench the sudden urge to see how his flesh would feel beneath my mouth. My tongue barely slipped out, tasting the salt of him. I almost reeled with the images that crashed through my mind. I didn't think to be embarrassed, I merely raised my dark blue gaze to his fire filled green one. I let one corner of my full mouth rise in a half smile...I lowered my eyes and offered my thanks for him opening his home to me. My hand slowly drifted down the length of his arm as I drew back out of the embrace. he flinched a bit as my fingers trailed down. I smiled again. I was gaining knowledge...I rather enjoyed it.

[Edited by dansemajik on 05-02-2001 at 08:40 PM]

 

[SexyChele]

My heart leaped at the thought that my dear Lucius would once more show himself to be an honorable Roman! I could see that Katherina tensed at Lucius' formal tone, but it was necessary, as he was undergoing a formal oath, offering her the same protection as his family.

When Lucius drew us near him, my heart beat rapidly. I was sure that both Lucius and Katherina could feel it. Yet, I felt so secure in that hug....and felt that I had truly gained a sister. I saw the kiss that Katherina placed on Lucius' shoulder, and my mind wondered that maybe the gods had brought these two together under one roof for a reason. At first, there was a slight stab of jealousy, but it quickly vanished at the thought that this beautiful young woman could make Lucius happy.

In my excitement, I reached up to Lucius, wrapping my arms about his neck, and drawing him close.

"Thank you, dearest brother." I whisper in gratitude.

 

[sojournerwolf]

We stand, enfolding each other in our arms. There seems a connection between us beyond brother and sister and friend, something that sets the very air to vibrating with a tension at once exhilirating and deep.

The feel of Katherina's lips lightly brushing my shoulder fans high the flame within me, yet it is a flame that seems to burn with different colors, colors of her, of me, of Ciama. a faint shock of pleasure shivers me when I feel Katherina's tongue touch me. Her fingers on my arm are like the trail of those fiery arrows of heaven one sometimes sees on clear nights. The heat in my loins grows almost unbearably intense.

I pull them closer even as my mind screams warnings. Ciama's eyes look into mine as her arms encircle my neck. I can see the love, the trust...and I fancy, the desire there as she whispers to me. I look from Katherina to her and smile. My lips brush hers, linger a moment more than mere accident. The taste of her breath is sweet within my own...

I take a deep and ragged breath, stepping back a bit before I am overcome by the urge to turn that inadvertant kiss into something deeper, something that would not stop there. I feel the heaviness between my thighs, the aching throb of lust I pray is far less apparent to them than it is to me.

There is confusion in me, and I retreat into the business of planning.

"Katherina, I imagine you are weary after your ordeal of the past few days...and you and my sister I am sure have much to catch up on. I must begin my inquiries this very night. I will see you both at breakfast in the morning."

I kiss them both on the cheek, and step away. I watch them leave, arms around each other. Their trust in me is profound and I am indeed awed by it...and wonder if they knew my innermost feelings would such trust and affection still be there.

Once they are gone, I summon Omos. At my command, he dispatches two of the household slaves, former gladiators for the streets at this hour are not safe for just one of them. I go to my study and begin making notes on wax tablets, rather than trust this to dictation...yet I find myself distracted, staring off into space. Thinking of Katherina, thinking of Ciama...I fancy from down the corridor I can hear the low murmmur of voices, laughter.


I shake my head and force myself to work. Omos returns after a time and announces the one I sent the slaves for. he is an informer who has worked with me in the past, and I trust him as much as any of his kind, for he is one of the few I know that, once bought, stays bought until he fulfills his commission. I tell him what I need of him and he promises he will be in touch with me within the day. I give him a purse and wish him Fortune's blessing.

After he is gone, I sit alone in the study, watching the lamps burn low. There is silence in the house and at last I rise, walk to my room. Stripping off my tunic, I lie down upon my sleeping couch, yet even as I close my eyes, I know I will not rest this night as visions of Katherina and Ciama, one then the other then both, come to haunt my mind. And a sinister part of me inquires why I resist.

OOC:
And how our desires
betray our ideals;
dreams which reach
into inner darkness
to dredge passions
which might not bear
the light of day,
yet burn all the
hotter for being
dark flames

 

[SexyChele]

(OOC: I just discovered this afternoon that I need to leave town for about a week. I really want this thread to continue, but I'm leaving it up to you 2. A week can seem long, I know. I'm going to write something that can either be used to write me out of the story altogether, or can be explained for a long absence....guess I'll find out when I get back. Hope the thread is still here!)

IC:
Lucius' kiss sent shivers down my spine. My brother had never kissed as that...and I knew my body would respond. I could feel Lucius' hardness, but was that a result of my presence or Katherina's? I was dizzy with emotion, and somewhat thankful when Lucius suggested Katherina and I renew our friendship.

We walked to the courtyard, just outside from where Lucius sat, and talked of old times and new times, good times and bad times. We felt sorrow for each other, and we laughed together!

The hour grew late, and Katherina and I grew tired. I instructed a slave to lead Katherina to her room, which was located next to Lucius'. My room was on the other side of Lucius' room.

As I lay, waiting for sleep that I knew would not come, my body ached with longing. I wanted to hold Lucius in my arms...to feel his lips on mine once more. I knew my thoughts were not to be. My mind was jumbled, my heart heavy, and my body hungry. It would be a long night.

I turned to face the door, when suddenly a shadow appeared!

"Who's there?" I called.

No answer...but the shadow drew nearer, and now I could see it was a man....but who?

Shaking from fear, I opened my mouth to scream, when a hand came out of the darkness, covering my mouth and cutting off my scream. The man's other arm reached around my waist and dragged me from the couch. I started to struggle, to try to grab hold of something that would keep me safely in this room.

Suddenly, the hand was removed from my mouth, and while holding me about the waist, I felt the hard sharp sting across my cheek. I gasped for air, when I heard a man's voice say,

"You will come with me, and you will not scream."

I struggled and again I attempted to scream, when I was struck again. I looked with horror at the shadow, not knowing what was next. When he started to drag me from my room, I tried to scream one last time. His blow was swift and hard.....I felt my body slump, as the shadows turned black.....

 

[sojournerwolf]

OOC: Have a safe trip. Hope you can rejoin us when you get back.

IC: "Master."

I woke from my fitful slumber upon hearing Omos call to me.
though he held a lamp trimmed short, I could see in the flickering light his face looking drawn and fearful.

Instantly I was on my feet and the vague sense of unease became a near panic.

"What is it?"

He gestured and I followed him, after grabbing a robe to wrap around myself. As we moved through the hallway towards where Ciama kept her suite of rooms, the panic in me grew into fear.

Inside, the room showed signs of a struggle...and no Ciama.

I paused and drew a deep breath, letting my military training take over at least on the surface. Inside rage and fear churned unbearably.

There was no blood, but a piece of parchment pinned with a small knife to her pillow. I removed the note and read it.

I felt it crinkle as my hand closed to crush it.

"What of Gauis, the night guard?" I asked.

Omos closed his eyes. "He is not at his post. I have already searched."

"And Lucinda, her maid?"

Omos shook his head. I could tell from his trembling that he, too, feared the worst.

Just then, I heard a noise at the door. I turned, forgetting to hold closed my robe to see Katherina rubbing her sleepy eyes in the doorway.

 

[dansemajik]

OOC: Have a good journey Chele, we shall miss you, but will leave a space for your return.

IC: Ciama had given me use of two of her rooms, with the common area to be shared by us. I had found laid on my bed a thin shift of gauze for me to sleep in. I had slipped it over my head, and closed my eyes as it whispered down my body. It ended mid thigh, and was embroidered with azure thread. I had fallen asleep as soon as I laid down.

I was woken by low mumblings in the next room. I threw back the coverlet and walked barefoot across the marble floor. I stood in the doorway of Ciama's room, and saw Lucius standing there, his robe hanging open, his glory in full view. I licked my lips, since suddenly my mouth was dry, and I pushed my hair back out of my face. My blue eyes connected with his briefly, when he seemed to be suddenly aware that I was in fact staring openly, at his golden body.

I saw the knife in the pillow then, and the piece of parchment that was crushed in his hands. My hands flew to my mouth. I was shaking my head, my mind repeating the word "NO" over and over again. I fell to the floor then, ignoring the cold as it seeped through my skin. "It's me, they wanted. I should just go to him. Let him have me, at least I won't be a danger to anyone."

I looked up from the floor at Lucius, "Will you forgive me for bringing this misery into your house. I will find her, and I will trade my body for her."

 

[sojournerwolf]

Katherina's scream is an echo of the one reverberating in my soul. I go to her immediately and kneel, putting my arms around her as she cries out, as she offers herself in exchange for my sister. Ye gods, I had not realized the extent of her love for my sister, her loyalty and devotion.

I hold her, gently rocking her, feeling her body tremble, the heat of her against me. Gently, I brush her hair. when she quietens, I begin to speak.

"Katherina, there is nothing to forgive. You came here seeking refuge and it was offered to you by Ciama and I without reservation. She would have it no other way. Nor would I."

I lift Katherina from the floor, feeling her cling to me with desperate hands and damn me, if I do not feel my body responding quite at odds to my mind, hunger welling up even in the midst of this tragedy.

"Listen to me, Katherina. This goes far beyond your own circumstances. This strikes at the very heart of the Empire. Ciama is well, of this I am sure. They dare not harm herfor such would defeat their purposes. And we will find her, you and I together, without the need of you sacrificing yourself to this monster."

I nod to Omos, who silently leaves to return with one of the female slaves.

"Katherina, for now, I ask you to return to your room and try to rest. I must see to certain arrangements. Arianna is my sister's old nurse, one of the most trusted slaves here. She will go with you."

To the unspoken question in Katherina's glistening eyes, I nod.

"Yes, I will come to you in a while and we will speak more of this. For now, please, try to rest. And trust me, I will allow no harm to come to you or Ciama."

I find myself reluctant to release Katherina, but force myself to do so. Arianna takes the trembling woman in her arms and escorts her from the room. I gesture to Omos and we go to my study.

Several hours later, having dispatched messages and talked over plans with Omos, I dismiss him to put in motion my own plans. I am weary, but know I cannot sleep.

Having promised Katherina I would speak with her again this night, I venture down the corridor, pausing before her door. I realize I am still wearing the thin robe without a belt and almost turn away. Yet, on some impulse I do not examine closely, I merely hold it shut and knock softly at the door...